MG Siegler writes that Google either already has or is on the verge of submitting a native Gmail app for acceptance into the iTunes App Store.

Now why in the world would I need a native Gmail app you might be wondering. After all, the web-based version of Gmail is pretty slick and accessing Gmail via Apple’s built-in Mail app is just as easy. Well, Gmail the old fashioned way is, well, a little bit old fashioned.

For instance, Gmail on the native iOS mail app doesn’t support push notifications. This rumored Gmail app will change all that.

Siegler also writes:

The native Gmail app will likely bring other key functionality as well: like Priority Inbox and one-click starring of messages. Other possibilities include some of the stuff Google is about to roll out for Gmail proper: like contact icons, better threading, and deep searching functionality. Maybe there will even be some Google+ integration, which Google is also hard at work on for Gmail.

The app is reportedly “pretty fantastic” so we’ll wait and keep our eyes peeled. A dedicated Gmail app might very well be nifty, but it’ll have to be a significant improvement over the native mail client in iOS to warrant a spot on the iPhone homescreen.